South 40 Beef, a beef processing facility co-owned by Johnn and Kim Roswech, recently closed its doors at the end of May, citing financial difficulties. Despite the closure, the owners remain hopeful that the facility will eventually reopen.
Johnn Roswech explained that he requested a voluntary suspension of their USDA meat inspection stamp, which is currently still active. This decision was made in order to allow for a potential reset and evaluate future options for the business.
The closure was prompted by declining revenue, leading to the dispersal of their cattle herd. Roswech, who also owned a cattle herd in South Dakota, has been actively exploring various possibilities to reopen the plant. This includes engaging with potential investors and interested parties in cities such as Fargo.
The demanding nature of running both the beef processing facility and the cattle ranch became a challenge for Roswech. Having a background in technology, sales, and marketing rather than manufacturing, he realized the need to focus on one area. Therefore, he now aims to determine whether to lease, sell, or reopen the plant.
The process of gaining approval as a federally-inspected facility was time-consuming, involving multiple visits from the USDA team that incurred additional costs. However, the 6,000-square-foot processing plant finally opened in April 2021. South 40 Beef processed approximately 80-100 beef cattle per month, including their own ranch's beef and custom butchering services for other ranchers.
From the start, the facility experienced a high level of activity. South 40 Beef products were shipped to other states and supplied to local areas such as Minot, Bismarck, Dickinson, and Rapid City, S.D. The beef was also sold in nearby grocery stores. Additionally, Roswech actively participated in the North Dakota Beef to School program, delivering beef to schools along Interstate 92.
The owners also took the opportunity to thank their dedicated team for their hard work in providing quality beef and exceptional service. They cherished the relationships built with their customers and expressed deep appreciation for the trust placed in South 40 Beef as a trusted source of premium meats.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-erdinhasdemir
Categories: South Dakota, Business, Livestock, Beef Cattle